About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the difference between legal rules and personal morality, or when they are seeking a story about finding a chosen family after experiencing hardship. Set in the rugged Australian bush of 1865, the story follows young Ben Cross as he escapes an abusive uncle and finds himself under the wing of the infamous bushranger, Captain Thunderbolt. Through Ben's eyes, children explore themes of loyalty, survival, and the complex reality that people who break the law are not always villains. This historical diary provides a safe space to discuss the consequences of our choices and the importance of finding mentors who truly value us. While there is mild peril and historical tension, the core of the book is about Ben's growth from a fearful runaway into a capable young man who learns to define justice for himself. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy survival stories or are beginning to question the nuances of right and wrong.
